Looking for info on an old 1953 compressor

by R W Foster
(Oakland, IL)

Bought this compressor from a guy who had problems with oil getting into the air line to the regulator, which caused the relays to get oil on them and the compressor wouldn’t shut down. I couldn’t beat the price of $250 considering it had a new 7 1/2 HP motor.

I have looked high and low on the internet and can’t find anything exactly like this. I even spoke with a Quincy Compressor Salesman who thought it might be one of theirs. He stopped by and decided it wasn’t one of their old models and had no idea who might have made it.

The markings we have been able to find, are a medallion like round plate on the front side which says “made in the united states of america.” Just below it is a small plate which reads (top line) 3000 and (bottom line) AN2245. On the back side at the bottom of the pump is a number on a plate that reads O or 0 or D33-188. I can find no other numbers on the pump.

I did find a plate on the tank that shows a mfg date of 1953….not sure what the rest of the numbers/info relate to.

I did find a pump, listed by Evan W and a later reply from him thanking Michael Kreindler from Maine for providing the tip, that could be a relative to mine. Any info on your research would be appreciated.

I am pretty sure this pump needs to be ringed and would like to find the manufacturer, perhaps we can still get parts, or at least find someone who can assist with parts.

Would appreciate any help someone might give me.

Thanks

R Foster

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PAR, or PAR-Lynch
by: Anonymous

It’s a PAR, or PAR Lynch compressor. No idea where you would find parts for it. Probably a high quality unit, and may be fixable with some ingenuity. If you can get your hands on a Hastings catalog, I have had excellent success cross referencing rings from other machines. Some were an exact fit. I once used rings made for a Alfa Romeo V-8 in a compressor. They worked beautifully.

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Appreciate your input
by: R W Foster

Thanks for your reply. I thought it was probably a PAR but haven’t found much info on them. Appreciate the lead on the hastings catalog. I will research that avenue.

You’re right about it being a high end unit. It runs like a top and is quite for a big compressor. Pumps from 0 to 170 psi in 4 minutes, even with worn rings.

Stopped by an Amish machine shop last week and they said they could fix it even if parts weren’t available….said they’d make their own. But the estimate was $800. A little more than what I wanted to pay. We’ll research the hastings catalog and see if we can’t find a cheaper solution.

Thanks, RWF

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PAR
by: Anonymous

That’s a PAR compressor. I’ve never worked on them, or seen them apart, but they look well built. No idea where you would get parts.

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Par air compressor
by: Ron

I have a Par 15 that was made in 1945 that is in crazy great condition. To use an over used phrase must see it to appreciate it’s condition. It’s so quiet you can stand inches from it and have a conversation on your cell phone while it’s running. I’m listing it for sale on Craigslist in Humboldt county, California.

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PAR Compressor
by: Anonymous

Thanks for your comments. It’s been 3 years since I first posted on this site and my compressor is still running great, except for the fact it could still use rings. I don’t use it often, and actually turn the breaker off and only turn it on when I’ve got a need for the compressor. I’ve been retired for 5 years now and stay busy with “honey does.” This should be a good project for my Son in Law, or my Son, when I no longer have a need for it.

Thanks for all the help though. I appreciate the responses.

Regards,
R Foster

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PAR Compressor
by: Bill

On behalf of all contributors, you are most welcome.

Glad the PAR compressor is still running.

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Lynch Par air compressor, 1954
by: Charlie

I have a 1954 vintage Lynch Par compressor. It is a V arrangement, 2 stage, 4 cylinder unit. The air receiver nameplate is dated 1954, so I believe that is approximately date of manufacture of the compressor as well. The Lynch name is still on the receiver.

Back in 1972 I made new flapper valves from feeler gauges. It ran fairly regularly for about 30 years then was idle for about 16 years at my father’s shop. Now I am checking it out for my shop. I opened the compressor and two of the discharge valves that I made in 1972 need replacement. They didn’t fail but I made them too long and they interfered with part of the head casting, so are bent.

I have looked into proper reed or flapper valve material from Sandvik and others, but am having difficulty ordering the material in such a small quantity. So,. I just ordered some new Starrett brand feeler gauges to use as material for the new valves. I plan to replace all of the valves.

Will post a note when it is done.

Cheers,

Charlie

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